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Create Your Own Success
Part-Time Coach and football academy owner, George Gray inspires sports students at South Essex Colleges Group.
Part-Time Coach for South Essex Colleges Group and owner of the highly successful football academy Essex Player Development, George Gray gave a talk to the sports students in The Pod at Luker Road.
From college student to the head coach of one of the most popular football academies in the county of Essex, George gave an inspiring talk of how he got into such an amazing position in his career and gave some hope and clarity to students who may be scared or confused of what they want to do when their time at South Essex Colleges Group finishes.
George said: "It was a great opportunity to share with all the sport students on what can be achieved from having nothing and low expectations upon me, but with sacrifice, determination and hard work can come great successes. A really enjoyable experience and I know if I have affected one person within this presentation, then I have done my job!"
For more information on Essex Player Development, or if you have a child who would like to take up football training, visit the website: www.essexplayerdevelopment.org
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Mia Riley
Course studied
I am so glad I chose South Essex College as it has given me the independence I needed in preparation for university
Mia Riley, 17, from Southend, studied the Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Diploma at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for her award for taking on multiple extracurricular activities and qualifications through college and putting in all her effort to every academic situation.
Her tutor said: “Mia is on track to achieve the highest grade possible for her course and has improved greatly throughout her time on the course. She is an exemplary sports student and person with a great care for education and future. We wish her all the success for the future.”
Mia liked that the students were treated as adults compared to school and that she was given more independence across the two years.
She describes herself as a shy person and said it would have been easier to stay at school, however her current course sounded a lot more challenging and pushed her out of her comfort zone.
She said: “I feel so pleased about winning the award and feel proud to receive it. I am so glad I chose South Essex College as it has given me the independence I needed in preparation for university.”
Mia will be going to Loughborough University to study sport science, physical education and coaching, with ambitions to eventually become a PE teacher.
